Page 32 of Play Dirty

Marty sent me a text earlier today that I didn’t respond to because I’m trying not to…like him. It’s dumb, but it’s so easy to be with him. I know I’m going to do something stupid, like sleep with him, if I’m not careful. And neither of us are in a position to get involved.

But you can be friends.

We’re back to the platonic dating thing.

I don’t know how to do that. Or if he’s even willing.

I want to spend more time with him, though, and I enjoy being with the kids. Especially Emma. She’s such a sweet little girl, with her daddy’s big brown eyes, light brown hair, and the cutest little dimples. I’ve always loved kids and his are really great, even if they’re a handful. I slept like a rock after the day at the carnival, I was so tired.

Picking up my phone I decide to text him back.

STEVIE: Hey, how’s it going?

I see the three dots indicating that he’s responding pop up right away.

MARTY: Having a quiet night at home. Took the kids to the beach and I’m pretty sure I will never get the sand out of my car, the mud room, or the bathtub.

STEVIE: LOL Sounds like a good time.

MARTY: We’re a little sunburned and tired, but it was a good day. Connor came too, thankfully.

A little part of me wishes he’d invited me, but it’s probably better that he didn’t.

Spending time at the beach half-naked would be too much temptation. I’ve seen him without a shirt and his body would be a magnificent playground.

STEVIE: Did you have to wash the sand off of him too?

MARTY: Thankfully, he’s one kid I get to send home!

STEVIE: I’m glad you had a good day. I had a casting for a music video. I probably won’t get it but it was good to be doing my thing again. I’m slowly starting to feel like myself.

MARTY: One step at a time. My situation is different but I’m going through something similar, you know? Finding a new normal, trying to put one foot in front of the other as a single dad.

STEVIE: From where I’m sitting, you’re doing a great job.

MARTY: Thanks. I appreciate that.

STEVIE: Anything else going on?

MARTY: Well, my mom just got to town and she told me to take a little time for myself. So I was wondering if you wanted to get dinner Sunday night. We’re taking the kids to the zoo, so they should be tired when we get home. We’ll get them settled and then I thought maybe some good food, adult conversation… a glass of wine?

I hesitate.

Do I want to go out with him?

On an actual date?

I really do.

I shouldn’t, but I do.

But I need to know where his head is at.

STEVIE: Is this a date-date?

MARTY: We don’t have to give it a name. We’re two friends going to dinner.

I think that’s a yes.

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